A flock of about a dozen Bushtits flew into a bush in my yard while I was
outside raking leaves. Among them was a bird with extremely pale plumage.
It wasn't albino--wasn't entirely w/o pigment (or whatever it is) and had a
dark eye. The bird was very pale. In the light fading light and next to
reddish/orangish leaves it looked like the color of the body of a very young
chocolate point Siamese cat, that's the only way I can describe the color
(very, very pale but not white). It was a little bit darker, but not much
darker, where you'd expect to see it. The bird acted just like the other
Bushtits, had no special distinguishing marks or behaviors that I could see.
Did a quick check of Sibley, he makes no mention of forms so extremely pale.
Had never seen such an odd-colored Bushtit, I hope s/he comes back!

Mary

Mary Klein
Bremerton WA
CelloBird at seanet.com